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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Why a Functioning AC Unit is Vital in a Workplace During a Texas Summer

If you have been around Texas for some time, you know that it gets hot– really hot– during the summer months. And if this is your first summer in Texas, I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories of the heat, and how no one dares set a foot out the door. That is until they have to go to work. A hard worker deserves a comfortable workplace. This is where they spend most of their days. Can you imagine a workplace without a properly functioning AC unit? In the middle of summer? Sounds like a nightmare! Don’t let it get to this point. 

We still have time to prevent this from happening before these sticky months roll around. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has your back. Our experts will inspect your HVAC to ensure that it’s working properly, and make any needed repairs. If you own a business, invest in your workers’ comfort by having a functioning AC unit. It works wonders during the summer months.

AC Improves Productivity

You don’t want to waste work hours. It negatively affects your business’s profitability. Studies show that employees waste one hour of their time due to excessive heat. A person’s body gets frustrated and distracted when it has to divert energy to regulate the temperature to desirable levels. If workers have to sweat profusely when working an office job, that doesn’t go well for business. It’s not what they signed up for. When the temperature is too high, your employees will feel drowsy and their concentration levels will dramatically decrease. 

Well, there’s a simple solution– maintaining your AC unit year-round. You don’t want to deal with frustrated employees or customers during a Texas summer. Right now that it’s spring, and it’s nice and breezy, get your AC unit inspected and repaired.

Reduce Consumption of Energy

Your energy bills are expected to increase in the summer because of the air conditioning that is needed to keep your employees comfortable. However, the bills should not skyrocket through the roof. If you are experiencing that, then there is most likely something wrong with the unit. It’s requiring more energy to perform its regular tasks. 

A functioning AC unit will decrease your energy consumption. It will not be stealing energy away. If you want to improve your energy use even more, invest in the newest air conditioners on the market. These units have efficient components and the newest technology to help you maximize energy usage while keeping the energy bills low. 

Better Quality of Air

Workplaces are one of the most common places where people get sick. Sick workers carry contagious viruses that could spread around to the rest. However, a functioning AC unit can clean the pollution from the workplace. It purifies the air with built-in technology, so your employees can breathe fresh clean air.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Has Your Back

Let’s get your air conditioning unit running properly for the summer. Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been servicing the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. We have seen all types of HVAC issues, and we always provide a solution. Give us a call today for an inspection, so we can ensure your AC unit is ready to tackle summer!

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AC HVAC Tips and Advice

5 Easy Ways Pet Owners Maintain Their Air Conditioner

Being a proud pet owner is not easy. It’s like raising a child– your furry pet requires constant attention and care, and they are not inexpensive. They can also influence your energy bills and how well your air conditioner works. Maybe that’s not something you have given much thought to, but it’s time to address the matter. 

Your pet can take a big toll on your air conditioner. Its dander can clog up the system and cause all sorts of problems. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating has listed some ways pet owners can maintain their air conditioner and ensure that it works efficiently.

Change Air Filter Regularly

Air filters should be changed at least once every three months. However, pet owners should change them once a month, or once every two months. We recommend checking the filter after the 30-day mark. If it’s dirty, switch it out before waiting until the next month. Every pet and household is different, so it’s hard to guess how much fur your pet releases and how it will impact your system individually. That’s why keeping an eye on the filters regularly is a must. When the air filters are clogged, your air conditioner needs to work harder to release cool air into your home.

Vacuuming Is Key for Pet Owners

You may already be best friends with your vacuum, but it’s time to build your bond even more.  Vacuum your home once or twice a week, depending on the amount of fur your pet releases. This fur can be stirred up and in the air just by simply walking past it. It won’t be long till that fur ends up in your ac unit and clogs it up if you don’t vacuum regularly.

Protect Your Outdoor Air Conditioner

Does your pet love soaking in the sun? If so, it might spend a lot of time in your backyard. If that’s the case, Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating recommends securing your outdoor air conditioner. You don’t want your pet’s fur to clog it up or your pet’s territorial pee to mess it up either. Simply invest in a small fence to keep the unit off-limits.

Clean the Air Ducts

Air ducts need to be cleaned every three to five years, but with furry friends running around, it might need to be sooner. Your air ducts will recirculate your pet’s fur and dander around your home. This air is not healthy to breathe in. Get your air ducts cleaned regularly. Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating can take a look, and recommend how often the ducts should be cleaned. We will also take care of that for you, for you need the right tools and expertise to clean them properly.

Groom Your Pet

Even if it’s just simply running a brush through your pet’s hair on a daily basis, it makes a big difference. You reduce the amount of shedding. The more fur you throw out, the less of it that will get into your air conditioner and circulate around your home.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here For You

If you want some more tips for maintaining your HVAC system, or it needs an inspection, give Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating a call today. We provide HVAC inspections, repairs, replacements, and maintenance in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Let us know how we can assist you best!

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AC HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

What Type of Air Conditioning Unit Should You Invest in for Your Home?

Choosing the right air conditioning unit is a vital decision for any homeowner. With the hot Texas summers, finding a system that meets your comfort needs while being energy-efficient can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common air conditioning options and help you decide which is the best fit for your home.

Central Air Conditioning: Whole-Home Comfort

If you’re looking for a cooling system that can handle your entire home, central air conditioning is an excellent choice. These systems use a network of ducts to distribute cool air evenly throughout your home. The outdoor unit houses the compressor and condenser coil, while the indoor unit includes the evaporator coil.

Benefits of Central Air Conditioning:

  • Quiet operation
  • Enhanced energy efficiency
  • Increased home resale value

Central AC systems are ideal for larger homes or households where consistent cooling across multiple rooms is a priority. However, they do require ductwork, so keep that in mind when making your decision. If you’re interested in installing or maintaining a central air system, check out our residential air conditioning service options.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems: Zoned Cooling

For homeowners without existing ductwork or those who need to cool specific areas like a sunroom, garage, or attic, ductless mini-split systems offer a versatile solution. These systems include an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor wall-mounted units.

Why Choose Ductless Mini-Split Systems?

  • Individual room temperature control
  • Energy-efficient operation
  • Improved indoor air quality

Ductless systems are great for creating temperature zones, allowing you to control the cooling in specific areas without wasting energy on unused spaces. Interested in learning more about the benefits of zoned cooling? Read our blog on how to avoid cold and hot spots in your home.

High-Velocity Air Conditioning: A Solution for Older Homes

If your home is older and doesn’t have ductwork, high-velocity air conditioning systems could be the answer. These systems deliver air through small, flexible ducts, making them less invasive to install while preserving the aesthetic of older or historic homes.

Advantages of High-Velocity Systems:

  • Minimal impact on your home’s structure
  • Fast and efficient cooling
  • Perfect for retrofitting in older properties

High-velocity systems are a niche but highly effective solution for homes where traditional ductwork installation isn’t feasible. Learn more about innovative cooling solutions on our HVAC blog.

Understanding How Air Conditioning Systems Work

No matter the type of air conditioning system you choose, all units function using the same basic principles:

  1. Compressor: Pressurizes refrigerant to enable heat transfer.
  2. Condenser Coil: Releases heat outside.
  3. Evaporator Coil: Absorbs heat and humidity from your indoor air.

These components work together to keep your home cool and comfortable, especially during Texas’s hottest months. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. Explore our HVAC maintenance tips to keep your system in top shape.

Making the Right Choice with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we understand that choosing the right AC system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process. From recommending the perfect system for your home to providing expert installation, repair, and maintenance services, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Us?

  • Decades of experience serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area
  • Expertise in all major air conditioning systems
  • Commitment to customer satisfaction and energy efficiency

Don’t wait until the summer heat arrives—contact us today to discuss your air conditioning needs. Visit our contact page or call us to schedule a consultation.

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

Improve Your Restaurant’s HVAC System

Do you want to improve your restaurant’s air quality? Are all of the foods’ odors overwhelming in the kitchen and your employees need a breath of fresh air? Or are your energy bills increasing over time and do you need a better HVAC solution? Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing commercial HVAC services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1975. From installing commercial split-system heat pumps and air conditioners to repairing indoor air filtration systems, we do it all. If you are thinking about improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, give us a call today.

What Does a Restaurant’s HVAC System Consist Of?

A restaurant’s HVAC system refers to the commercial air conditioning, ventilation, and heating system. The HVAC system controls your restaurant’s temperature and promotes proper air ventilation and circulation in a space. Some systems have a thermostat for managing the temperature and other systems include the make-up air devices for replacing air exhausted by kitchen hoods. Here are additional parts:

  • A furnace for heat
  • Ductwork for circulating hot and cold air
  • Ventilators for promoting air circulation

Your HVAC system needs to get maintained regularly to ensure that it is working properly year-round. 

Why Should You Invest in Your Restaurant’s HVAC System?

Many people don’t notice their HVAC system until it stops working. This system is the unsung hero of commercial and residential spaces. Your restaurant’s HVAC system is critical to maintaining good air quality, creating a comfortable environment for your customers, and improving working conditions in the kitchen. 

Improve Air Ventilation and Air Filtration

Due to the pandemic, there is an increasing demand for restaurant cleaning and ventilation. You should invest in an HVAC system that works efficiently and follows the new demand and standards. HVAC systems work together to create a safe and comfortable environment for your staff and your customers. Air filtration systems help remove airborne contaminants and pollutants. This keeps mold, bacteria, and viruses away.

Restrict Odors

Although we are sure your restaurant cooks up some delicious dishes, you don’t want the odors of several platters dominating the fresh air. Customers don’t usually want to leave a restaurant smelling like they just came from one. Exhaust hoods and make-up air units prevent the odors from escaping the kitchen and entering the dining area. That way, your guests can enjoy their meals without worrying about smelling like fried onions afterward.

Reduce Energy Loss

If you notice your energy bills are skyrocketing, your HVAC system might be having some problems. These systems are designed to efficiently control air temperature. However, if they are experiencing issues, the efficiency lowers and they require more energy to perform. Get one of our professionals at Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating to inspect your system and determine the best course of action.

Get in Touch With Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If you are planning on improving your restaurant’s HVAC system, get in touch with our experts today. Our team has decades of experience in the HVAC industry, and we are only a call away!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

7 Intriguing Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner: something we take for granted until it stops working. But apart from it keeping your home or business at a comfortable temperature, an air conditioner is pretty darn cool. Air conditioners have made a huge impact on history, and they are to thank for Texas having the population that it does nowadays. Let’s take a look at some intriguing facts about your ac unit that you probably didn’t know about.

Influenced Modern Medicine

Modern medicine is created in laboratories with temperature-sensitive tools and equipment. The room needs to be at a controlled temperature too. Therefore, we wouldn’t have medicine that fights the common cold to cancer if it weren’t for air conditioners. Can you imagine scientists needing to rely on open windows and cool air to create all the medication that exists today? It would’ve taken thousands of years to perfect it.

First President to Own an AC Unit: Herbert Hoover 

How did presidents run an entire country without AC in the summer? Who knows! But former President Herbert Hoover wasn’t having it. He invested $30,000 on an AC unit not too long after the stock market crashed in 1929.

Summer Vacation Was Born

Did you look forward to those long summer breaks while growing up? You can thank your AC unit for those marvelous days. Before the existence of air conditioners, classrooms were way too hot for students to stay focused and sit for 8 hours straight during the burning summer. Hence, summer vacations become a norm and exist even to this day.

Movie Theatres Were the Coolest

In the early 1900s, air conditioning technology became more popular and movie theatre owners invested in these systems. They wanted to get people to come to the movies during the hottest and stickiest days of the year. Their plan worked. Most people did not have AC units, so they would come to the movies as an escape from their hot homes. 

Influenced Where People Live

Imagine living in a hot place like Texas during the scorching summers without any AC units to cool you down. Could you survive? Well, thanks to air conditioners, people have a way to survive during these heatwaves. When air conditioning units became popular, the population in hot states increased significantly.

Ice Was AC Units’ Biggest Competitor

Before AC units existed, people would use big ice blocks to keep things nice and comfortable and their produce fresh. When air conditioners were invented, their output ratings were measured based on how much ice was needed to have the same cooling effect.

Your Air Conditioner Helps You Battle Allergies

Air conditioners are known to remove allergens and other small particles from the indoor air. This helps you fight asthma or any other allergies you may have.

Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating Is Here for You

If you didn’t know this already, air conditioners are pretty cool. They keep your home at a desirable temperature and play a large influence in modern medicine. However, if your HVAC system stops working properly, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning & Heating. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth areas and we are only a call away!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

How to Stop Your Air Conditioner from Freezing Up

Air conditioners are crucial for staying comfortable during warm months, but a frozen AC can disrupt your home’s cooling and lead to costly repairs. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can save you time, money, and discomfort. In this post, we’ll explore common causes of AC freeze-ups and provide actionable tips to keep your system running smoothly.

Common Causes of a Frozen Air Conditioner

1. Dirty Air Filters

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to drop in temperature and freeze. This is one of the most common causes of AC freeze-ups. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters ensures proper airflow and prevents this issue.

2. Blocked or Closed Vents

When vents are obstructed or closed, it disrupts air circulation and creates pressure imbalances in your system, which can cause freezing. Ensure all vents are open and free from obstructions like furniture or debris.

3. Faulty Blower Fan

The blower fan circulates air through your system, and if it’s malfunctioning, it can reduce airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Routine maintenance can help identify and resolve this issue before it leads to bigger problems.

4. Low Refrigerant Levels

Insufficient refrigerant lowers pressure in your AC system, leading to a temperature drop and freezing on the evaporator coil. Low refrigerant often signals a leak, which requires a professional inspection and recharging.

5. Running Your AC in Cool Temperatures

Using your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60°F can cause freezing. In such conditions, the refrigerant in your system may not circulate properly, leading to ice buildup.

Preventive Measures to Stop Your AC from Freezing

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly

Check your air filters every 1-3 months and replace them if they’re dirty. Clean filters ensure proper airflow, reduce strain on your system, and prevent freezing.

2. Keep Vents Open and Clear

Make sure all vents are unobstructed to promote healthy airflow. Rearrange furniture and remove any items blocking vents to allow your system to distribute cool air effectively.

3. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Professional inspections are key to identifying potential problems before they escalate. A technician can detect issues like faulty blower fans or refrigerant leaks and ensure your system operates efficiently.

4. Monitor Outdoor Temperatures

Avoid running your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures dip below 60°F. If you still need cooling during cooler weather, consider using fans instead of your AC.

Why Preventing AC Freezing Is Important

A frozen air conditioner isn’t just inconvenient—it can cause long-term damage to your system, increase energy costs, and leave your home uncomfortable. By addressing common issues and implementing preventive measures, you can keep your AC running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Need Help with Your AC? Call Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating

If your air conditioner has frozen during these cold winter months, or your heater stops working, give Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating a call immediately. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating, we provide professional maintenance, repairs, and advice to keep your home comfortable all year round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!

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AC Heating HVAC HVAC Upgrades Tips and Advice

5 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Is Running But Not Cooling

There’s nothing worse than turning on your AC unit during a hot summer day, but discovering that it’s not working. How will you survive the heat now? There’s no need to worry, Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating is only a call away. We can repair, replace, or maintain your HVAC system year-round. If your AC unit is running, but not cooling your space, your unit might need a repair. Here are 5 reasons why your AC unit isn’t functioning properly.

Thermostat Isn’t Set Properly

Before you freak out about your AC unit not working, make sure you check the thermostat. First things first, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool.” Then, check the temperature setting to see if anyone made an adjustment. If your thermostat is set to “off,” turn on the heat first before setting it to cool. Check your registers to see if cool air is blowing out now.

Dirty Air Filter

Many AC units have air filters in or around the indoor air handler unit. These filters catch dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. It prevents these particles from entering the unit and keeps the components inside the system clean. This, in return, will keep the air in your home clean as well. However, if you have a dirty air filter, then the airborne particles will block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. If the air filter isn’t changed, it can even shut off your system completely.

Refrigerant Leak

In order for your AC unit to cool, you need a refrigerant. It is a chemical that flows through the system’s indoor and outdoor coil. It changes from liquid to gaseous form and draws heat energy and humidity from the indoor air and releases it outdoors. If you have a refrigerant leak, then your AC unit may not cool your home.

Condenser Unit Is Blocked

Most AC units come with an outdoor condenser unit. There is a large outdoor coil that wraps around the outside of the unit. The coil includes a series of metal fins that are tightly together. If your AC unit is running but not cooling, the condenser coil might be clogged or blocked. Airborne debris, grass, and dirt can build up within the fins, which clogs the coil as a result.

This leads to less energy efficiency and a lack of cool air from the registers. You can try to clean the coil by vacuuming it with a brush attachment. However, if your system still doesn’t cool, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating.

Heat Pump Is Damaged

A heat pump is like an air conditioner, but it contains the ability to cool and heat your property. It works similarly to a condenser unit, and it can also get clogged by dirt, debris, grass, etc.

Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating Is Here For You

If your AC unit is running but not cooling your property, get in touch with Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating today. We service all of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and there isn’t a problem that we haven’t seen and fixed.